24-10-2007
New data suggests working population is increasing
The number of working-age adults is predicted to increase, new data has revealed.
According to recently released figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of working-age adults will rise in the UK, caused by revisions relating to retirement regulations and increases in the net inflow of migrants.
However, the ONS has also revealed that in 2007 there will be fewer children than pensioners in the UK - this is the first year ever that this has occurred.
The ONS was created as a result of a merger between the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys with the Central Statistical Office.
"More important for the rate at which the economy can grow without increasing inflationary pressure is the growth of the population of working age," said Vicky Redwood, a representative from Capital Economics.
Indeed, while migration is not believed to be the sole cause, over the next 25 years the UK's population levels are expected to increase at a rate of more than ten million.
This possible increase is thought to be the result of a number of factors, including rising life expectancies and an increase in the country's birth rate.